Press Release No. EBB-34-2019
Philippine team turns-over Festival of Nations plaque of recognition to Jeddah PCG
Jeddah, 16 April 2019 – The Philippine contingent at the 2nd Festival of Nations held at the prestigious King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah turned over the much-coveted Festival of Nations plaque of recognition to the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.
The turn-over took place on 16 April after the Philippine team called on Consul General Edgar B. Badajos to convey their appreciation for the Consulate’s support for the team during the two-day activity held on 31 March and 1 April 2019.
The Philippine team showcased Philippine tourism, music, food, and arts in its Mindanao-inspired exhibit, which impressed hundreds of visitors from the diplomatic corps in Jeddah, the Saudi government, private sector, and other universities. The team showcased the kulintang ensemble, a set of instruments composed of gong, agung, and gandingan, which is part of the musical tradition of the Muslim ethno-linguistic groups Maranao and Maguindanao. The Philippine team also displayed posters of different tourist destinations in the Philippines, as well as books on Philippine arts – all provided by Jeddah PCG.
In his short message to the Philippine team who are all students of the King Abdulaziz University, Consul General Badajos said that being the Philippines’ informal ambassadors, they can play a big role in promoting the good image of the Philippines in Saudi Arabia. He also said that having been accepted at the university is an honor that they should be proud of and that they could use in helping shape a good image for the Philippines before the international community.
The Festival of Nations is an annual activity of the King Abdulaziz University. It gives its foreign students the opportunity to promote their respective countries’ tourism industry and culture. This year, some 24 countries were featured in the event. -END-
Consul General Edgar B. Badajos (fifth from left) receives the Festival of Nations plaque of recognition that
was awarded to the Philippine Team at the 2nd Festival of Nations held at the King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
in Jeddah. Handing over the plaque is KAU student Khattab K. Ajamad (fourth from left). Other members of
the Philippine team include (first three, from left to right) Mansur Tokong, Nasrudin Taib, Abduljabbar Basher
Condar Macapodi, Michaelson Sarail (second from right), and Monzir Bonga (rightmost). Also in photo is
Vice-Consul Alfred Kristoffer A. Guiang (third from right).
